Abhaya case: Witness claims pressure on to retract statement

Thiruvananthapuram: A witness produced by CBI, who is investigating Sister Abhaya murder case, has said that she has been facing immense pressure to retract her statement.

Thressiamma, one of the witnesses in the 27-year old case of the murder of the Catholic nun, said in the court that she was forced by the church authorities and others to not to depose against the accused.

Thressiamma stood strong in her statements against the two accused - Father Thomas M Kottoor and Father Jose Poothrikkayil.

Thressiamma was Sister Abhaya's professor at BCM College in Kottayam. She told the CBI special court in Thiruvananthapuram that she had found in Abhaya's face after she was found dead.

"I had gone to the convent to see Abhaya's body after her death. The body was laid near the well. Father Jose removed the bed sheet with which the body was covered and showed her face till neck. There was a wound on her face. I had stated this earlier, too, but no one has revealed this. I stand firm on my statement to the investigation officer and have said the same to the court as well. I have only told the fact, then and now," Thressiamma told the media after her appearance in the court.